Accrediting commission removes CR from all sanctions

College of the Redwoods was notified by the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges on Friday, Feb. 7 that it has been removed from probation, and all sanctions, and that its accreditation has been reaffirmed.

''All CR employees and Trustees worked as a team to achieve this important milestone," said CR President /Superintendent Kathy Smith. "Everyone at CR united over the past two years to make hard decisions and do what's best for our students and for the future of CR."

The ACCJC's action means that CR is off all sanctions for the first time since February 2012. At that time, the commission placed CR on Show Cause, it's most serious sanction. In February 2013, CR's status upgraded to probation.

While CR was on accreditation sanctions over the past two years, it maintained full accreditation status. All of its degree and certificate programs, and all of its students' credits, were fully valid.

"It is important to note that the commission never questioned the quality of instruction at College of the Redwoods," said CR Board of Trustees President Colleen Mullery. "The Board of Trustees is grateful for the substantial financial and work sacrifices all College employees made to improve our institution. Having our accreditation reaffirmed by the ACCJC is further affirmation of their dedication to CR."

The ACCJC letter states that CR has fully addressed a number of concerns the commission detailed a year ago. These include:

·Continuing the institutionalized use of student achievement and student learning data to inform decision-making and develop long-term plans.

·Assessing annually its data and performance in employment equity and diversity.

·Completing two cycles of needs assessment, implementing a comprehensive professional development program.

·Documenting a funding base, financial resources, and plans for financial development adequate to support student learning programs, to improve institutional effectiveness, and to assure financial stability.

While the ACCJC recognizes that CR has addressed its immediate financial issues, it is requiring that CR submit a Special Report regarding finances to the commission by April 15, 2014. The report must detail a three-year budget to address Other Post-Employment Benefits (CR's Retiree Benefit Trust Fund) and an institutional cash-flow plan that demonstrates how CR will maintain its fiscal stability.